Royal Jordanian Royal Club Lifts RJ Segment Requirement for Status Qualification (Oneworld Sapphire Possible for €450)

Royal Jordanian is one of the few airlines in the Oneworld Alliance that allows earning a frequent flyer status purely through segments. Previously, there was always a requirement to fly a minimum number of segments with Royal Jordanian itself – this now seems to have changed.

Apparently, without a major announcement, the Gulf airline Royal Jordanian has adjusted the requirements for status qualification. Now, you no longer need a minimum number of segments with Royal Jordanian to qualify for Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status.

In recent months, the Royal Club has gained attention through its status match offer from various frequent flyer and hotel programs. For $149, one could match up to the Oneworld Sapphire status (Royal Jordanian Gold Sparrow).

Royal Jordanian Royal Club Status Match: Oneworld Sapphire for $149 (Oneworld Ruby at $49)

Status Requirements in the Royal Club

Now there’s a subtle yet impactful change that makes the program very attractive even beyond the status match. Although the qualification requirements have not changed, the minimum segment requirement with Royal Jordanian has now been removed. This was confirmed to us in writing by a Royal Jordanian Royal Club Service Center employee.

“Yes sir, You can claim only [oneworld partner] flights to qualify or maintain your tier.”  

RJ Customer Service

Previously, the following restrictions applied to each status level:

• Silver JAY (Oneworld Ruby): Minimum of 2 Royal Jordanian segments
• Gold Sparrow (Oneworld Sapphire): Minimum of 10 Royal Jordanian segments
• Platinum Hawk (Oneworld Emerald): Minimum of 20 Royal Jordanian segments

Now, only the following requirements apply, regardless of the number of segments you fly with Royal Jordanian.

To qualify for the two lower status levels, you need to do so within 12 months, and the status is valid for another 12 months. For Platinum Hawk, you only need to qualify once within the 12 months, and then the requalification period is a full 24 months, so you can enjoy the benefits of Oneworld Emerald for two years after the initial qualification.

Royal Club Status Benefits

These are the benefits of each status:

Silver Jay (Oneworld Ruby)

The Silver Jay status at Royal Jordanian corresponds to the Oneworld Ruby status on flights with BA, JAL, Finnair, etc. Beyond this, there are a few notable benefits, even on Royal Jordanian flights:

• All benefits of Oneworld Ruby on flights with Oneworld partners:
  • Business class check-in
  • Complimentary preferred seats (with exceptions)
  • Additional baggage allowance + priority boarding on some airlines (e.g., AA)
  • Priority on waitlist and standby
• No mileage expiration

Gold Sparrow (Oneworld Sapphire)

The Gold Sparrow status corresponds to Oneworld Sapphire and is significantly more appealing. You gain access to airport lounges (with one guest), where available, on any Oneworld flight. Benefits include:

• All Oneworld Sapphire benefits on Oneworld flights:
  • All Ruby benefits (see above)
  • Business class lounge access with one guest
  • Priority boarding
  • Free reservation of extra legroom seats (depending on the airline)
  • Additional baggage allowance (exceptions for light fares)
  • Priority baggage handling
• On Royal Jordanian flights:
  • 1 upgrade voucher per year for Royal Jordanian Business Class
  • Fast Track at Immigration in Jordan
• No mileage expiration

Platinum Hawk (Oneworld Emerald)

• The Oneworld Emerald status offers the following benefits on Oneworld flights:
  • All Sapphire and Ruby benefits (see above)
  • First-class lounge access with one guest
  • Fast lane access
  • Additional baggage allowance
• Gold Sparrow companion card for any person, with all Oneworld Sapphire benefits
• On Royal Jordanian flights:
  • 2 upgrade vouchers per year for Royal Jordanian Business Class
  • Guaranteed economy availability on Royal Jordanian flights
  • A dedicated Royal Jordanian contact with a special hotline

Oneworld Sapphire for €450 and 2 Years of Emerald Status for €690

While distance-based qualification may be of interest depending on the routing, the main advantage of the Royal Club lies in the segment-based qualification. The lowest prices per segment can be achieved with Iberia on domestic flights within Spain, resulting in the following costs for a status run from scratch:

• Gold Sparrow: 30 x €15 = €450
• Platinum Hawk: 46 x €15 = €690 for qualification and €1,200 for requalification (€600 per year)

While this option may not be entirely practical, as few would take 30–40 flights within Spain each year, other options are available worldwide to accumulate segments affordably and quickly:

• Domestic flights in the USA with Alaska Airlines start at €32.50 per segment
• Domestic flights in the USA with American Airlines start at €37.50 per segment
• Domestic flights within Japan with JAL start at €45 per segment
• Flights within Europe with British Airways start at €47.50 per segment
• Flights within Europe with Finnair start at €47.50 per segment

These options offer several ways to achieve Oneworld status cost-effectively. By combining them with award flights or other good deals, you can discover new destinations and secure Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status.

Cover Picture: © Royal Jordanian Airlines